LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – With Gov. Gretchen Whitmer set to deliver her final State of the State address at 7 p.m. Eastern, Senate Republicans are pushing a sharp critique of her leadership and warning that Michigan is on the wrong track.
Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R-Van Buren) delivered the GOP response Wednesday morning, laying out Republican concerns about economic conditions, education outcomes, and state spending under Whitmer’s two terms in office. Nesbitt, who also delivered the party’s responses in 2023 and 2024, echoed GOP criticisms that families and job creators are struggling to “make it here in Michigan” under current policies.
Economic Conditions and Population Trends
In remarks to reporters, Nesbitt and fellow Senate Republicans highlighted stagnating income growth, high living costs, and population loss as evidence that Michigan is falling behind other states. According to GOP lawmakers, these trends risk fueling continued population decline.
Education Outcomes
Education was a central focus of the Republican critique. Nesbitt and other Senate Republicans underscored statewide rankings near the bottom nationally in reading and science performance among students, asserting that historic levels of education spending have not produced desired results. They called for restoring school grading standards and teacher evaluations, and adopting literacy reforms similar to what some other states have implemented.
Government Spending and Accountability
Republicans also criticized what they describe as bloated government budgets and unmet infrastructure priorities, including road repairs and regulatory reform. Nesbitt’s comments painted a picture of bureaucracy stifling economic growth and burdening families.
While Nesbitt stressed these critiques, he also indicated there may be areas for bipartisan cooperation in Whitmer’s final year, particularly on regulatory and housing issues. Democrats have previously pointed to record investments in education, infrastructure, and economic development, along with efforts to expand access to health care and reduce costs for families.
Gov. Whitmer is expected to deliver her address tonight from the state Capitol, outlining her priorities for the year and looking back at her administration’s record.
